Olympia, WA Gambling & Gaming: Card Room Licensing (2026)

Olympia Municipal Code § 9.32.030 names the games a person cannot run or join in the City of Olympia, Thurston County, Washington: faro, monte, poker, draw poker, keno, shuffleboard, fan tan, and any game of chance played with cards, dice or any device of whatever kind or nature, whether or not of the kind or character mentioned, when played for money. The sentence opens with an exception for what is authorized by or pursuant to Chapter 218, Laws of Washington, 1973, First Extraordinary Session, and RCW Chapter 9.46. It reaches dealing, playing, wagering anything of value, and setting up, keeping or exhibiting a game.

The neighboring sections use the same exception. Section 9.32.010 makes it unlawful to play games of chance for profit except as authorized under Chapter 9.46 RCW, and § 9.32.020 extends the ban to opening, conducting or maintaining any establishment or business where gambling games are carried on. It adopts a list of RCW 9.46 sections by reference, with three copies filed with the city clerk-treasurer.

For operators who hold state authorization, Chapter 5.20 adds the local layer. Section 5.20.005 requires a business license under OMC 5.02, and § 5.20.002 applies the business and occupation tax chapter, OMC 5.04, to the business. Section 5.20.010 taxes persons licensed by the Washington State Gambling Commission: three percent of gross receipts less cash or merchandise prizes for card games, five percent for bingo and raffle games, and two percent for amusement games. Section 5.20.030 makes the tax payable quarterly, with each return due on or before the last day of the month after the quarter in which the tax accrued, and § 5.20.050 gives the Director collection authority under rules the Gambling Commission adopts.

Organizations running permitted activities must register with the city clerk-treasurer before starting under § 9.32.040, listing the organization name and address, the address of the activity and its type, and must submit copies of their Department of Revenue reports required by RCW 9.46.130. The Unified Development Code defines a Gambling Establishment as a business primarily engaged in Class E and F (fee-charged and enhanced card room activities) and house-banked card games and similar activities as defined and regulated by the Washington State Gambling Commission.